Autoimmune mechanisms of modulation of the activity of glutamate receptors in children with epilepsy and craniocerebral injury

: The role of glutamate receptors and their hyperstimulation in the development of autoimmune processes is discussed with reference to brain pathology associated with hypoxia and ischemia. Epilepsy, paroxismal condition, and craniocerebral injury (CCI) in children are shown to be accompanied by a rise in the levels of antibodies against AMPA and NMDA receptors of glutamate and nitric oxide markers (cGMP, nitrates + nitrites). Also enhanced in epilepsy and paroxismal condition are the levels of cGMP and antibodies against AMPA(GluR1) receptors of glutamate. Acute CCI period is characterized by a marked change in the levels of NO metabolites and antibodies to two subtypes of glutamate receptor, AMPA and NMDA. The levels of antibodies to NMDA(NR2A) receptors are significantly different within 1 day after CCI depending on its outcome. Unfavourable outcome of CCI is associated with the lowest level of antibodies and high NO metabolite content. Relationship between the levels of NO and antibodies against glutamate receptors is discussed with the use of experimental data. It is concluded that antibodies to glutamate receptors and receptor hyperstimulation play an important role in pathogenesis of hypoxia.